Under what conditions can a holder of an expired registration renew without penalty?

A holder of an expired registration can renew without penalty if they or their spouse were in active military service. This condition is rooted in the understanding that active military service can impose significant challenges and obstacles that may prevent timely renewal of professional licenses or registrations. The law often includes provisions that support service members and their families by allowing them to maintain their professional credentials without facing penalties related to expiration due to deployment or mobilization.

The other options do not generally provide a basis for penalty-free renewal. Moving to another state typically entails complying with the new state's registration requirements rather than allowing an expired registration to be renewed without penalties. A letter from an employer alone does not establish a legal basis for renewing an expired registration without penalties. Notifying the department ahead of time may be a good practice, but it does not exempt the holder from penalties associated with an expired registration. Thus, the provision for military personnel acknowledges the unique circumstances surrounding service in the armed forces.